Jenkins, currently with French side Toulon, will link up with fellow Lion Matthew Rees after the hooker also signed for the capital region earlier this season.
The news is a huge boost to the Blues as they look to build a squad for next season’s campaign. The signings of Jenkins and Rees follow Alex Cuthbert, Scott Andrews and Josh Navidi all renewing their current contracts at the Arms Park.
“I am really pleased to have re-signed Gethin,” said Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies.
“Gethin is an international player, a Lion and a quality player.
“We started the year knowing we had a young squad and it has been a massive season of progression and sometimes the results have not gone our way.
“Gethin will be coming back to an environment that is a little different from the one he left and I think he will enjoy it and I know that he will add a massive amount to the group.
“I have heard how professional he is and I am really looking forward to working with him and welcoming him back to the Blues.”
Jenkins first joined the Blues in 2004 having started his rugby career at Beddau. Stints at Pontypridd and Celtic Warriors followed before making his Wales debut against Romania in Wrexham in 2003.
The hugely experienced prop played in all 10 Grand Slam games in 2005 and 2008 and also featured in every game of the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.
“Gethin’s experience will add to the team, he is very vocal on the pitch and I am sure a lot of the youngsters will also be very vocal with him as well next year,” Davies added.
“The experience of Gethin and Matthew Rees along with the likes of Gavin Evans and Dafydd Hewitt who are really experienced players will help.”
Cardiff Blues CEO, Richard Holland added: “Gethin is undoubtedly a quality player having played for Wales for a decade and toured with the Lions twice.
“As well as signing experienced players such as Gethin and Matthew Rees we have also signed key youngsters that we will build the team around for the future.
“Gethin will add a great deal of experience to our pack and I’m sure he will be looking forward to pairing up with fellow Lion Matthew Rees in the front row.”
